In the late 1990s, a young Gurukiran arrived in Gandhinagar to assist friends with film music. Over the span of twenty-five years, this music director and composer has witnessed significant changes in the industry, transitioning from film reels to social media. Initially struggling to be accepted due to not fitting the typical image, Gurukiran reflects on the pressure of producing hit songs, carving out a unique niche for himself. He used to frequent theaters to gauge audience responses to music. Recently, during the re-release of Upendra, Gurukiran and the film's hero and director visited theaters, reminiscing about their past experience. Despite initial success, he preferred returning to Mangaluru until he had the opportunity to work on Upendra. The overwhelming response to the music led to significant financial gains, but it wasn't until later films like Upendra and Chitra that Gurukiran decided to permanently shift to Bengaluru. Initially not considering music as a career, his dedication grew with each success. While he acknowledges the industry's increased openness to newcomers, Gurukiran emphasizes that both achieving success and maintaining it remains a challenge in today’s commercial music scene.These days, the music industry is highly competitive, with everyone striving to distinguish themselves in a saturated market. Simply creating music is no longer sufficient; promoting your work is equally crucial to ensure it reaches the audience. Nowadays, individuals approach music directors with requests such as "make this go viral on social media," as if popular hits can be artificially generated. This is why I have adopted a more selective approach. I only take on projects that ignite my passion. I find satisfaction in the fact that my music from films like A, Kariya, and Upendra remains relevant even after many years. At this point in my life, what truly matters to me is the fulfillment of creating something enduring,” Gurukiran mentions.

“When I first started my career, I faced challenges in gaining acceptance; I didn’t conform to the traditional expectations of a music director,” Gurukiran reflects. “Despite establishing myself in the industry, it took time for me to earn widespread recognition. Initially, many people didn’t take me seriously, partly due to my unconventional appearance. Back then, music directors were expected to have slick, well-groomed hair, don white attire, and apply vibhuti on their foreheads. I didn’t fit that stereotype, leading to doubts about my commitment. However, with the passage of time and successful projects like Apthamitra, perceptions changed in my favor. I take pride in the fact that a significant portion of my work, around 70%, has been well-received, with 44% of the films running for over 100 days. Music plays a pivotal role in attracting audiences to cinemas,” he emphasizes.